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When class was dismissed on Friday, March 13, SLPS students were ready for Spring Break, but they didn’t expect so much bonus vacation time! In the days since, the St. Louis community and people across the world have endured increasing disruptions to daily life as more news unfolds surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

On March 16th, the St. Louis Board of Education held an emergency meeting via conference call, in compliance with Missouri Sunshine Law, and the break was extended until April 3rd, 2020. SLPS and other St. Louis schools didn’t miss a beat in ensuring food access during uncertain times, providing free meals for students and $1 meals for adults at sites across the city. By March 19th, a community partner stepped up to cover the cost of adult meals, so that all families are now able to obtain no-cost food provisions, no questions asked, at any school site across the City.

As of 6:00pm today, a Stay-At-Home Order took effect for the City of St. Louis, as announced by Mayor Lyda Krewson this weekend. This stay-at-home order directs all St. Louisans to remain in their places of residence unless obtaining necessary medical/grocery/veterinary supplies, conducting critical government business, or reporting to a job considered an essential service. If you must go outside or tend to necessary errands, please maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from your fellow humans and animals.

Schools will now remain closed until April 22nd, 2020.

The risks and disruptions to our regular routines are very real. Below are some resources to help our community maintain stability and access to basic needs during quarantine. And maybe we can even have a little fun while we’re in forced proximity with our loved ones. As for me, I’ve just been catching up on school board work, stacking objects on my cat, Major, and tomorrow I’m having a virtual breakfast with otters!

If you’re worried, have any questions, or if you just get bored, feel free to send me a text or give me a call at 314.437.3111. Email me at Natalie.Vowell@slps.org.

Stay home. Stay safe, smart, smiling, and always learning!

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL SUPPORT HOTLINEThe District has established a direct hotline for students and parents requiring social and emotional support. The hotline can be accessed by calling 314-345-6900 or via email at studentservices@slps.org.

PAY FOR SLPS STAFF IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUEThe St. Louis Board of Education immeasurably appreciates our teachers, administrators, and staff who have been working round the clock to keep our schools and students safe.

FREE MEALS FOR STUDENTS AND ADULTSMeals are available free of charge for all St. Louis families, regardless of whether their children attend public, private, or charter schools. Here is a map of locations. These meals are “grab-and-go,” meaning students cannot stay at the school to eat them because of social distancing guidelines issued by state and local health agencies. For details on meal pickup and schedules, please visit https://www.slps.org/meals. UPDATE: in response to community requests, we have now added Oak Hill and Lexington Elementary as distribution sites.

MAP TESTS CANCELLED FOR 2019/2020 SCHOOL YEARMissouri has cancelled required statewide assessments for the remainder the school year. This includes Grade-Level, End-of-Course and Alternate assessments. The Offices of College and Career Readiness (OCCR) and Quality Schools (OQS) will share more information and updates as soon as they become available. Refer to the DESE-related COVID-19 webpage for links to useful information. If you have questions about assessment, send them to assessment@dese.mo.gov or call DESE at 573-751-3545.

METRO BUS FARE WAIVEDPassengers may travel on MetroBus and Call-A-Ride free of charge through March 31. (Fares will not be waived for MetroLink travel.) Customers using all other fare types can also refrain from using the farebox. This policy will be effective beginning March 21 and continuing through March 31. All MetroBus passengers will be required to board and exit buses using the rear doors, except in cases where passengers require an accessible entrance at the front of the bus. Buses are running less frequently, so be sure to check routes and schedules.

EXPANDED/EXTENDED FOOD STAMP AIDThe Department of Social Services Family Support Division will extend Food Stamp/SNAP certification periods by six months for those re-certifications coming due in March, April and May. This action prevents Food Stamp benefits from ending during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for food assistance are being accepted online. More information and instructions available in this document.

ST. LOUIS QUARANTINE SUPPORTSt. Louis volunteers have formed a new group, St. Louis Quarantine Support, and are coming together to take care of our at-risk population by helping out with every day errands like delivering groceries, picking up prescriptions, providing rides to the doctor, or walking dogs. Request assistance from with this short form. You can also volunteer your time or donate a few dollars if you’re able. Please note, this is a group of private citizens, not officially organized or endorsed by the St. Louis Board of Education or the City of St. Louis.

SUPPORT FOR STAFFStaff who are in need of social or emotional support are encouraged to access the free, confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through United HealthCare via phone, 1-800-622-7276, or online: www.liveandworkwell.com. Additionally, UHC provides 24/7 phone or video virtual visits with a doctor ($0 co-pay): www.uhc.com/virtualvisits.

UPS/FEDEX NOT REQUIRING SIGNATURESUPS and FedEx both have decided to suspend signatures on packages to minimize contamination and personal contact. You can manage your deliveries online

AMAZON FREE STREAMING OF KIDS’ CONTENTYou don’t need to be an Amazon Prime member to access family friendly movies and television. Customers only need to log in or create a free Amazon.com account to enjoy free family programming.

SLPS OFFERS “KEEP ON LEARNING”While Spring Break is rejuvenating for our young scholars, this unexpected extended school closure period may disrupt the planned flow of learning. SLPS has created “Keep On Learning”, a resource for students and families while our kids are out of school. Visit www.slps.org/keeponlearning for interesting age-appropriate educational materials students might not have a chance to experience in the classroom.

DIGITAL SERVICES FROM ST. LOUIS PUBLIC LIBRARYYour neighborhood library branch may be closed, but you can still access a wealth of information and entertainment without leaving the house. The St. Louis Public Library offers eBooks, audiobooks, and online learning opportunities for all ages. The Library also live streams story time via their Facebook page. All St. Louis Public Library services are free of charge for any St. Louis Public Library cardholder. If you don’t have a library card, you can obtain an eCard online, at no cost.

TAKE A VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOURMany museums are offering virtual tours online. Here’s a list of world-class museums you can visit without getting off the couch.

ST. LOUIS AQUARIUM EXPLORATIONThe St. Louis Aquarium is hosting live sessions of its exhibits via their Facebook page.

FREE INTERNETWe understand not everyone has access to internet service or WiFi hotspots. Any parent of a child who does not have access to the internet can contact Charter/Spectrum at 844-488-8395 to receive free internet access for 60 days. This offer is for households with K-12 or college students.